This is a post of mostly pictures. I’ve seen something interesting that I wanted to share; salt production.

However… it did get me thinking.

In the last 12 months I’ve visited two salt production facilities.

Both called themselves ‘mines’. Both were significant economic forces that shaped the culture and communities around them.

One was built upon heavy machinery and ‘industry’, the other was built upon harnessing the natural resources of the sun and wind. One was in Romania, the other one was in Lanzarote.

Both have left a legacy, and both seem to have a future, each very different.

One I’d argue one looks sustainable (in every sense), the other one, who knows?

Heavy machinery & industry. Here’s a few picture of Slănic Mine in Romania.

Wooden steps stuck in the wall. A bit surreal.

Wind and solar power. Here’s a few pictures of Salinas de Janubio in Lanzarote. In my book these are salt flat / pans rather than a mine. But I’m not going to argue with what the locals call it.

Lineal belleza – Linear beauty. I’m much taken by this phrase. Salt production using wind and solar power, to evaporate the water, is definitely a linear process. And a beautiful process too.

Said by someone (me) who doesn’t have to spend their days in the sun and heat of the salt pans. But I reckon it’s a better life than being down the mine.

PS. The lady (Sabrina) who took us on a tour of Salinas de Janubio was an exceptional host. Absolutely understood and cherished the cultural, economic and environmental significance of salt production in Lanzarote. If you are in Lanzarote for any reason, go and say hello.